K5 nets UK deals for Venus & Serena

The deal, struck by K5’s Carl Clifton and Kaleidoscope’s Spencer Pollard, will see the film released to coincide with the 2013 Wimbledon Championship in June.

The BBC will broadcast the feature across its channels as part of it summer scheduling and around the Wimbledon event, which is covers every year.

Further deals are being closed at the market in Cannes, according to K5.

Directed by Maiken Baird and Michelle Major, the film follows the Williams sisters through a year of their lives as they tackle injury, the media and those around them to maintain their position as the most successful women tennis players in history.

Executive producer is Oscar-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney and the film’s music is by Wyclef Jean.  

K5 is handling international sales for the film.  Magnolia is releasing the film in the US later this summer.

Kaleidoscope’s Spencer Pollard said: “Ever since we first saw the film in Toronto we’ve wanted to be part of the film’s UK release.  It’s a great sporting documentary, with excellent insight into one of the most engaging and interesting sporting families that ever lived.”

Director/producer Baird added: “Venus and Serena’s extraordinary success story is born in the UK on the grounds of Wimbledon where we have watched them win year after year. I am thrilled that Venus and Serena in coming to the UK during Wimbledon this year where the sisters plan on playing once again.”